Different people have different purposes for owning a cat. Some people want a cat because they are ideal companions and are the best partner to live with in an apartment. At the same time, some people are happy to have an independent cat, which spends most of its time outside without wanting too much human interaction.
Planning to bring a new feline friend can be exciting for anyone because cats are amazing pets and provide lots of love and affection to their owners. But you need to keep in mind that not all cats are the same! The way cats behave with you depends on their personality and inherent traits, resulting in fear or confidence with people and their life in general. Therefore, it is essential to decide wisely while choosing a cat.
Having the right fluffy feline that fits best for you, your lifestyle, your family, and your environment will help ensure that she is comfortable and living a healthy and happy life with you.
So, if you have decided to become a cat parent, it’s time to figure out what things you should consider before adopting any feline friend, whether it is her personality or breed. Remember, there are more than seventy breeds of cats, and you can both make long and healthy relationships together. But how do you make the right choice? Don’t worry! And keep the following tips in mind while picking your ideal catty!
Tips for Choosing the Right Cat
Choosing a cat is fun and a crucial decision that you will never forget throughout your life! Your new feline friend is all set to spend her life with you. Following are some tips that will assist you in finding the right cat match.
1. Narrow Down Your Research
Before you start looking for a cat, narrow down your research correctly. Write down the must-have for your cat. What age, breed, and color would you want in your cat. Once you are done with researching, then think about the following question:
- Do you want a cat of a specific breed?
- Do you even want to purchase a cat?
- Do you want to adopt a little cat from a shelter or a rescue group?
- How should your cat react with children and other pets?
- Last but most importantly, do you want a kitten or an adult cat?
If you also have some queries in mind, then take some time and clear them by searching on pet websites in your area. These will provide you with all the details and characteristics you are looking for.
2. Kitten or Adult Cat? Which One to Consider?
If you want an adorable little kitty, remember that kittens require some additional caring, from litter box training to socialization and feeding to supervision. If you can’t make this commitment, it is best to purchase or adopt an adult cat that will more likely be litter trained and easily adapt to your home’s environment and family members. While going to rescues or shelters, ask for the adaptation, temperament, and characteristics of each cat so that your choice fits your family.
3. Always Look for a Healthy Cat
It doesn’t matter from where you get your idyllic pet cat, either from rescue or shelter; what does matter is a cat’s health. Yes, a healthy cat can save you from a lot of trouble and veterinarian bills, and you can picture the overall health by its appearance and behavior. A healthy cat has a groomed coat, clear eyes, and is appropriately active for her age.
Since you will not want to depend on looks and behavior to determine the cat’s health, find out when and where a vet examined the cat. If the cat hasn’t been examined, getting her checked is worth it before adopting her. For this, you will need to do the following things.
- Check the medical history of that particular cat, her last veterinary exams, and a list of vaccinations and other treatments that have been done so far.
- Ask about the next vaccination of a cat.
- Also, find out if he has any serious medical condition or special needs.
What About Special Needs Cats?
Some adoptable cats are going through medical conditions that require medication and special care from their owners. These cats are more loving than any other pet cats and always need a good adopter who has a will to provide the extra love and care.
If you really can give them that care and a lot of affection, then ask for the guarantee of her health. If there is any, write about her specific veterinarian and vet cost so that if your cat becomes ill within a certain time after taking it home, you would know about her vet bills. This is sometimes also stated in an adoption contract.
4. Learn About the Cat’s Background
Asking about the background is interesting and will help you know if she will get adjusted to your family and lifestyle easily or not. You will also see many cats with unknown history, but it’s beneficial to learn about if it is. You can ask the following application questions.
- Ask about the history of a cat.
- How does she get along with other cats?
- Does she get along with dogs?
- Is the cat afraid of the dog?
- Is the cat good with children and other people other than their owner?
The more compatible your new cat is with the current house, the easier her adjustment period will be. Most cat breeds are quite adaptable, but it would be best to avoid any potential conflicts. For instance, if you already have a pet dog, it is best to choose a cat that is familiar with the company of dogs and isn’t afraid of them.
You can learn about the insight of the cat’s compatibility with other home pets and children with a person who has been responsible for owning the cat until now.
5. Choose a Cat of Your Favorite Personality
Like a human, cats also possess distinct dynamic personalities and traits. While adopting a cat, first interact and observe how she acts with you and other cats when they are around. Does she have a shy personality or bold? Or is she energetic or calm?
Observing her certain personalities might appeal to you more than others, which can help you make the right choice! You may notice a couple of cat personalities.
Following are some personality traits of a cat that you might notice.
Skittish Cat
Skittish cats are nervous and fearful cats. They have a low score of trust and calmness. They always run to hide behind different objects during a fearful situation to keep themselves safe.
Outgoing or Inquisitive Cat
They are extroversions similar to human beings. They love to spend their time outdoors, and these cats are curious and active due to their habit of high outgoings. They are also called ‘Greet Cats’’ who happily greet their owners and guests while returning home or the groceries you just brought home.
Dominant Cat
These cats don’t go well with other felines. They are aggressive and may bully or fight with other cats. They are always ready to fight against their enemies; therefore, they should be left roaming outside freely. Having a dominant cat is also another way of ensuring that you have one more skittish cat.
Friendly Cat
These are cats who show love to their fellow felines. They like to spend most of their time grooming, cuddling, and playing with other cats. They also love human beings but prefer their company with other cats. They may also become depressed when kept as the only household cat.
Human Cat
Human cats are adapted well in sharing their space with humans. They are affectionate, happy, well adjusted, and love to be around human beings. These cats are ideal for keeping them as pets and will happily spend their time with you.
Well, personality is a personal choice. Whether you adopt an ideal cat that is a cuddly lap cat or an energetic cat, it should match everyone!
6. Get Acquainted With a Cat
If you see a cat you like, then visit her outside her cage with the permission of adoption centers. There is also a specific room where you can get to know each other.
If you are adopting a cat for the first time, then do remember that adoption can be scary for them, especially those who are shy. Because they are not used to the new environment, this can even make the calmest cat behave differently.
You can tell the connection between you and your cat once you spend some time with her or picture her in your daily life.
But if you are not sure and not getting satisfied, then keep searching until you find the right one!
7. Choose a Cat Intuitively
While choosing a cat, you might come across a certain cat that makes you feel like she is the one you want to adopt. But it also might be the one who is entirely different from you and will not meet your expectations. However, if you find everything is going right, trust your intuition and adopt your ideal cat to make a new best friend.
8. Let the Cat Like You
If you are looking for a cat somewhere and where there are many cats to pick, your decision will become much easier if a certain cat likes you. She likes you means she has the exact personality match you have. Choosing a cat that likes you cannot be the wrong decision!
9. Be Open to Cats of Every Age
Cats of every age group are lovely pets. With proper care from their owners, they can live a long, happy, and healthy life. Whether you pick a kitty or an adult cat, you will gain lots of love and companionship for years.
Preparation Before Bringing a Cat
- Prepare places for eating, sleeping, and playing for the cat before bringing her home.
- Purchase all the necessary items for her, such as litter, litter box, food and water bowls, and some toys.
- Make your home’s area secure for her, remove any toxic chemicals and plants out of her reach. Ensure to secure all the windows so that the cat cannot escape.
- Also, provide her with some scratching materials such as scratching posts so that she cannot damage your furniture.
- Schedule a time to train your cat to become comfortable with handling and grooming and learn to interact and play with other people appropriately.
- Gift her different kinds of toys, balls, and climbing towers. It is best to provide these things to kittens from the early age of 9 weeks because they need frequent attention to getting acquainted and socialized with people, new things, and experiences.
If you are adopting more than one cat, then make an appropriate toilet area for them, which means one litter for one cat in more than one location. Place other items such as food and water bowls, resting areas, toys, and scratching posts throughout the home.
Cats require follow-up veterinary medical checkups to ensure long life and healthy life. Ask your vet about the vaccination programs and preventive medical care that is appropriate for their lifestyle and protects them from deadly diseases. Cats are good at hiding their pain when they are not well, and your vet can help you learn how to overcome these problems and detect the early signs of illness.
Final Thoughts
When you choose a pet, it doesn’t mean that you are becoming her owner only; it means that you are taking responsibility for her health, welfare, and other living things. You are also responsible for how your pet influences your family, friends, and other community. Your pet can be a part of your life for many years; therefore, pick the right one and invest some time and effort to make your years together happy.
